Remand for men accused of participating in OCG

Four defendants in the dock for alleged drug offences

Four men who’ve been accused of being involved in an organised crime group - which allegedly trafficked drugs to the Island and cash out of it - have been remanded at the Isle of Man Prison.

They appeared at Douglas Courthouse today (12 March) charged with offences dating between February and October last year.

Twenty-three-year-old Liam Skillicorn, of Lhennag Park in Douglas, and 57-year-old Colin Richards, of Waverley Terrace in Ramsey, appeared in the dock from custody.  

As well as participating in the OCG they’ve been charged with being concerned in the production of the Class A drug cocaine and Class B drug cannabis.

They were joined by 32-year-old Aaron Dickinson, of Demesne Road in Douglas, who is facing the same offences.

He’s also been charged with possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

The fourth defendant, 43-year-old Liverpool man John Bates of Clough Road, has also been accused of five offences of removing criminal property from the Isle of Man.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood was told that seven people have been charged as part of the police investigation.

It allegedly culminated in a police chase across The Sloc, on 25 October last year.

This was reportedly followed by the discovery of cocaine in the area – which reportedly had a street value of between £49,500 and £99,000 -  and cannabis with a street value of £56,742.

Three of the men appeared at Douglas Courthouse on Saturday (9 March).

Bail applications for Mr Skillicorn, Mr Richards and Mr Dickinson were refused.

All seven men will next appear in court together on Thursday (14 March).

Update:

At Douglas Courthouse on 11 April Mr Mayers entered not guilty pleas to being concerned in the production of cannabis and cocaine. 

Mr Mcleod entered ‘no plea’ to the offence of attempting to remove criminal property from the Isle of Man. 

Mr Dowling entered ‘no plea’ to being concerned in the production of cannabis and cocaine. 

Mr Bates entered ‘no plea’ to five offences of removing criminal property from the Isle of Man.

Mr Skillicorn entered ‘no plea’ to two offences of being concerned in the production of cannabis and cocaine. 

Mr Dickinson entered a not guilty plea to possessing cannabis with intent to supply. 

The charge of participation in a criminal organisation can only be tried at the Court of General Gaol Delivery. 

Committal proceedings – where the case is elevated to that court – will take place on 23 May. 

There were no applications for bail and the men were further remanded at the Isle of Man Prison.

At Douglas Courthouse on 16 April Mr Richards case was adjourned until 9 May.